Disability Business News
You Need to Know
May 2020
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MAY IS MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS MONTH
In the midst of COVID 19, Mental illness may very well be the secondary major illness triggered by the Corona Virus. As the leading regional business on disability inclusion, it seems critical to provide our readers with important information on this topic in our newsletter.
Mental Health Awareness Month
has been observed in May in the United States since 1949, reaching millions of people in the United States through the media, local events, and screenings. Mental Health Awareness Month began in the United States in 1949 by the Mental Health America organization.
You Are Not Alone Campaign
This May for Mental Health Month, the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) is raising awareness and highlighting that no one experiencing a mental health condition should feel alone. More than 40 million people in the U.S. face the day-to-day reality of living with a mental health condition. And now more than ever, in these uncertain times, it is important for the mental health movement to come together.
This year, NAMI’s
You Are Not Alone
campaign focuses on the power of connection for those affected by mental illness. Collectively, we can make a positive impact on the millions of people who are struggling and feeling particularly alone given the current situation of social isolation and physical distancing.
COVID on the Mind: Mental Health Awareness in the Workplace
The impact of COVID-19 is prompting employee wellness programs to look more closely at mental health. Examining the state of our own personal mental health is not an exercise that many of us are familiar with. That is until March 12 when the World Health Organization officially declared COVID-19 a pandemic. As we put on our gloves and place masks over our faces, we are listening a little more closely to that inner voice that is telling us to keep our stress levels under control.
COVID-19 Resources
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GRACE Global Response
Connecting the World to Save Lives
By The Hon. Katherine McCary, Director of Inclusion
COVID 19 is changing the way we interact with each other as humans. It's apparent to me, and probably most of you in our community, that we "
can’t return to normal, because the normal we had was precisely the problem.” COVID-19 has been called “the great pause,” a time for reflection and introspection
.
That's been true for so many of us with disabilities, underlying health conditions and of a certain age. Missing the human touch of friends and loved ones, losing loved ones and trying to take one day at a time. I'd like to share the story of GRACE as a story of hope.
The GRACE Story
On 3 April 2020, eight people from Singapore, Australia, New Zealand, and USA came together to discuss the global pandemic crisis and explore how they could make a difference. Here is who we are:
Ashly is a PhD in pandemic microbiology who worked on the Ebola crisis in Africa and the US presidential advisory team in 2008 on pandemic preparedness.
Chris and Ken are change leadership specialists who worked with the Pacific Disaster Center on the 2005 Boxing Day tsunami response and recovery, then with USAID and the Haiti earthquake disaster.
Ben, Ross, and Dom are experienced Australian business owners helping Australian hospitals expand emergency facilities and workforce capacity to handle rapidly changing demands in response to the pandemic.
Katherine spent 25 years leading large corporations to address disability and inclusion through culture change. In 2008, she was appointed by US President Bush to serve on the National Council on Disability.
Dinesh spent 20 years with the Singapore government building collaboration among ASEAN, African and European countries to address chronic health and economic issues through multi-national cooperation.
On 27 March 2020, Dinesh and Chris made contact and within a week had pulled together the team of 8 people they believed would throw themselves with passion into creating and leading a cause of immense importance to the world.
GRACE was born!
GRACE is driven by a global collaborative non political non profit network committed to finding ways to help address major global challenges in relation to pandemics and other disasters:
- Saving lives
- Minimizing economic disruption
- Reducing inequality – disability, minorities, mental health, PTSD
- Supporting developing nations.
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2020 Programming Update
"Innovative Approaches to Increasing Self-ID"
was recorded in April and will be available on our website by June 1.
It features
Kevin Carpenter, VP and EEO Consultant, Wells Fargo, NILG Board Member and Ellice Switzer, EARN (Employer Assistance and Resource Network on Disability Inclusion) who will share the results of the work done in partnership with the National Industry Liaison Group (NILG).
In today’s fast changing pandemic crisis, the DC Metro chapter is adopting these steps to continue to offer SME education and continual learning while limiting disruption to the efforts businesses are making to focus on their concerns for health and safety.
We will continue to seek guidance from national public health and government organizations and are working closely with our DC Metro Board keeping the best interest of our members at the center of our decision making.
Now more than ever, we are committed to promoting best employment practices.
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Kevin Carpenter, Wells Fargo, NILG
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Our Mission
“Building the Business Network for Disability Inclusion.”
Our Vision
“Cultivate workforces and workplaces where talent with disabilities are recruited, included, promoted, retained and valued as both internal talent and innovative vendors.”
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Member Renewals
Need to Renew Your Membership?
Annual Membership
All local employees are members.
- Corporate - $2,000: TWO Program Passes per event.
Additional Registrations: $65
- Gold - $3,000: THREE Program Passes per event.
Additional Registrations: $65
- Diamond - $5,000: FIVE Program Passes per event.
Additional Registrations: $65
- Platinum - $10,000: Unlimited Program Registration
- Non-Profit - $750: ONE Program Pass per event.
Additional Registrations: $65
- Small Business - $800: ONE Program Pass per event.
Additional Registrations: $65
- Government - $2,300: Unlimited Program Registration
NEW! Six Month Membership
Introductory Corporate Friends
- $600: 6 month membership for up to three employees
Benefits
- An opportunity to engage with the organization and its members
- Host a virtual event
- $600 coverts at end of six months to an annual level determined by the company with $600 applied to remaining balance
- Only available to new members - corporate for profit private sector firms
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Andrea Hall,
Chair
Diversity & Inclusion Sr. Manager
- General Dynamics Mission Systems
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The Hon. Katherine McCary
CEO, Executive Director
President
C5 Consulting, LLC
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Board Members:
- John Annand, Marriott International
- Jennifer Bassett, JBG SMITH Companies
- Michelle Crabtree, Hyatt
- Ellen DeBremond, Treasurer
- Anjali Desai-Margolin, Gallaudet University
- Tom Downs, Gartner
- Dan Ellerman, Boeing
- Andrea Hall, Chair, General Dynamics Mission Systems
- Sophie Howard, Vice Chair, General Dynamics IT
- Eduardo Meza-Etienne, eSSENTIAL Accessibility
- Chrisonna Palmer, Secretary, EY
- Carrie Schroeder, PwC
- Jamel Walker, Northrop Grumman
- Myra Wilder, BAE Systems
- Emily Yee, Deloitte
Advisory Board Members:
- Orly Barbosa, Sandy Spring Bank
- Meghan Cadigan, KPMG
- Ron Drach, Drach Consulting, LLC
- Rikki Epstein, The Arc of Northern VA
- Sylvia Henri-Wonasue, Lockheed Martin
- Karen Herson, Concepts Communication
- Bryan Moseley, TCS Associates
- Rick Rodgers, The Resource Network
- Kia Silver-Hodge, C5 Consulting, LLC
- Bob Vetere, C5 Consulting, LLC
- Sue Werber, C5 Consulting, LLC
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SHOPPING FROM HOME?
Click the logo to support the Disability:IN DC Metro
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IN THE NEWS - Articles of Interest
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Business is Rapidly Changing NOD Can Help
Disruptions due to the COVID-19 pandemic are affecting every aspect of business. Now, more than ever, it's critical to have a resilient workforce that can adapt to challenges and meet business objectives.
PROTECT YOUR MOST CRUCIAL ASSET—YOUR PEOPLE.
NOD's programs and services ensure robust support for all employees, including those with disabilities, to sustain productivity and engagement.
- One-on-one consultations
- Briefing of your Disability Employment Tracker results
- Access to a body of corporate peers
- Expert guidance on emerging trends
- In-depth learning events to sharpen your strategies
- A roadmap to launch or improve your D&I plans, informed by your Disability Employment Tracker results
- Roll out innovative accommodations for every work-from-home scenario
- Cultivate well-being with innovative mental health programs
- Anticipate and mitigate the challenges of retaining a diverse workforce
- Consulting services, self-ID campaigns, accessibility, employee & management training, and ERG supports
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Telework and Accessibility
The recent shift to telework for a staggering number of government and private sector employees has caused a surge in the use of digital communications systems. Employers and employees are now relying heavily on digital technologies to conduct business, collaborate with colleagues, host virtual events, and recruit and hire employees.
With digital devices, platforms, and documents becoming the primary methods used by individuals to execute work and engage in daily life, it's more important than ever to prioritize
digital accessibility
. We've created the following resources to help equip employers with the information needed to ensure the digital workplace is accessible to everyone, including people with disabilities.
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EEOC Issues ADA and Title VII Guidance for Employers on COVID-19
The National Business and Disability Council (NBDC) at The Viscardi Center recognizes that employers are facing a time when accurate, relevant information is key. Many employers have expressed the need for resources when it comes to employees with disabilities. The U.S. Equal Opportunity Employment Commission ("EEOC") recently issued guidance on the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Title VII for employers during the COVID-19 pandemic. The article below provides answers to some of the questions you may have at this time.
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How to Pick an Accessible Virtual Meeting Platform
With telework comes the importance of ensuring that your meeting platforms support full accessibility for people with disabilities. Luckily, the process for selecting an accessible meeting platform matches the process for choosing any other technology.
The key to success is to address accessibility requirements from the start. Incorporate accessibility into the procurement process, and then make sure to evaluate what technology providers promise and how they deliver.
First, evaluate the accessibility features of the meeting platforms you already use. The following websites describe accessibility features for several commonly used platforms for webinars, virtual conferences, and other collaborative activities:
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Student creates transparent masks for the deaf and hard of hearing community
As a result of the
COVID-19 pandemic
, healthcare workers are desperately seeking personal protective equipment (PPE), which is in short supply. although many people have been creating reusable fabric masks, which the centers for disease control and prevention (CDC) has recommended to help slow the spread of the virus, a key group have been excluded from this movement: the deaf and hard of hearing. to help change this, Ashley Lawrence — a college student studying education for the deaf and hard of hearing — has designed a face mask with a clear window that allows others to see and read lips and facial expressions.
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Events - NOTE: Upcoming Events May Change
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Webinar
Return to Business: Serving Customers with Disabilities While Implementing COVID-19 Safety Measures
Wednesday, May 20, 2020
2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. Eastern
1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. Central
12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. Mountain
11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Pacific
Public accommodations must implement safety measures to protect their customers and employees from COVID-19 exposure. How will those measures impact service to guests with disabilities and a facility’s compliance with ADA Title III requirements? This program will address many issues that can arise from COVID-19-related operational changes and how to minimize the risk of violating Title III of the ADA.
Attendees will gain insight into:
- How the following COVID-19 safety measures impact customers with disabilities and how to implement them in a manner that complies with Title III of the ADA:
- Changes to entrances, parking, or accessible routes
- Queue lines
- Mask requirements for employees and customers
- Social distancing while providing assistance to individuals with disabilities
- Removal of dining and work surfaces to reduce seating capacity
- The legal framework for analyzing disability-related objections to safety/social distancing measures
Who should attend
: In-house counsel advising public accommodations on COVID-19 operating procedures and business people in charge of facilities operations.
Speakers
Minh Vu
, Partner, Seyfarth Shaw LLP
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Thursday, May 21, 2020, marks the ninth Global Accessibility Awareness Day (GAAD). The purpose of GAAD is to get everyone talking, thinking and learning about digital access/inclusion and people with different disabilities.
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Inclusion Confusion:
What is the SELF-ID Form and Why is it Important?
Just announced:
- CRCC Ethics CEU now available for this session.
- This session will feature brand new information on OFCCP's recently updated Self-ID Form.
Presenter: Janet D. Fiore, The Sierra Group, Inc.
Thursday, May 21, 2020, 2:00 - 3:00 PM Eastern
There is no charge to access this session.
An estimated 34.2 million US citizens have a disability, yet only 26% of people with a disability are known to be in the workforce. These statistics could change due to movements for inclusion and technology advancements. However, stigma persists regarding asking and answering the question - do you have a disability? This webinar looks at differences between self-identification (self-ID) and self-disclosure, and sheds new light on how this sensitive question makes people act and feel.
Continuing Education Recognition Available:
- 1.0 HR (General) Recertification Credit Hours by the Human Resources Certification Institute (HRCI) ($20 fee)
- 1.0 PDCs by Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) ($20 fee)
- Certificate of Participation ($10 fee)
- 1.0 Clock Hour (Ethics) Commission on Rehabilitation Counselor Certification (CRCC) ($20 fee)
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Microsoft’s Jenny Lay-Flurrie has announced that their annual event is now going to be virtual! So great opportunity for more people to “attend” this year.
May 27 and 28
The 10th Annual Microsoft Ability Summit is moving to an all digital event! The Ability Summit brings together people with disabilities, allies, and accessibility professionals to Imagine, Build, Include, and Empower the future of disability inclusion and accessibility. And for the first time we will share content virtually!
2020 Ability Summit will feature:
- Keynotes from Microsoft executives and notable members of the disability community
- Expert panels featuring exciting projects and innovations
- Demos of the latest accessibility features in Office, Windows, Xbox, and more.
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Virtual
The 2nd Annual Digital Accessibility Legal Summit
Updates, Best Practices & Core‑Concept Training
Online Summit Program in Brief
(Four two-hour afternoon sessions)
Opening Session 1 (Tuesday June 2, 1-3 ET)
Opening Keynote: Experiences as a Blind Lawyer in the Legal Profession
- Deepa Goraya, Disability Rights Maryland
Legal and Accessibility Impacts of COVID-19: Issues Happening Now, and Implications for Upcoming Legal Cases
(NEW!)
- Jack McElaney: VP of Sales & Marketing, Microassist
Session 2: Practice, Inclusion (Thursday June 4, 1-3 ET)
Problems (and solutions) in making a good start: Plaintiffs, Defendants, and Consultants
- Minh N. Vu, Seyfarth Shaw, LLP, Eve Hill, Brown, Goldstein & Levy, LLP, and Karl Groves, Accessibility Consultant, Tenon
The Leading Edge: How Global Disruptions and Technology is Changing Inclusion, Inclusive Design and Accessibility
- Debra Ruh & LaMondré Pough, Ruh Global IMPACT
Session 3: Preparing for the Future (Tuesday June 9, 1-3 ET)
Cognitive disabilities, Legal Practice, and Digital Accessibility
- Prof. Robert Dinerstein, American University Washington College of Law
The Implications of Future Technology on Digital Accessibility
- Jon Avila, Level Access & Jennifer Chadwick, Siteimprove
Closing Session 4 (Thursday June 11, 1-3 ET)
Canadian regulatory and practice developments in the digital accessibility space
- Pina D'Intino, Jennifer Chadwick & Karen Peltz Strauss
As an ‘I’, I make a difference, and as a ‘WE’, we are unstoppable
- Marcie Lipsitt, Education Advocate
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Gallaudet University Career Center Webinar
Strategies in Working with Deaf/Hard of Hearing Emplo
yees
June 11, 2020 - 9:00 to 11:30 am EST
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Live Webinar:
The ADA Generation: New Perspectives on
Employment and College Graduates with Disabilities
June 3, 2020 from 12:00 to 1:00 pm ET
Thirty years after the ADA, approximately 12% of college graduates are individuals with disabilities, but what do we know about their college experiences and their success in the workplace? Our experts will share what they have learned from the 4,500 recent college graduates, with and without disabilities, who participated in this survey.
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46th Annual AAAED National Virtual Summit
June 23, 2020
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Join in on June 23
rd
to hear from disability leaders discussing the 30
th
ADA Anniversary – from envisioning the future of the ADA, embracing culture change and intersectionality, the role of accommodations and the business leader perspective on disability inclusion. Our panel includes individuals with apparent and non-apparent disabilities as well as organizations that support and advocate for individuals with disabilities in the workforce.
This session is moderated by the Disability:IN DC Metro, an employer led non-profit that brings the business and educational community together to learn and share information about the value of including people with disabilities in the workforce. It provides education, training programs and resources so that employers learn how to proactively include people with disabilities in the workforce, marketplace and supplier diversity. Disability:IN DC Metro is part of Disability:IN national that includes more than 30 chapters across the US.
Learning Objectives:
- Understand the business value of inclusion and culture change
- Learn about intersectionality and the role it plays in disability inclusion
- Leadership as a priority
- Find support systems that work
- Resources for successful inclusion
Panelists:
- Matt Glowacki, A Revolutionary
- Chris Worth, It’s Worth Organizing Consulting Group
- Zakiya Mabery, B Global D&I Strategic Planning
- Melanie Whetzel, Job Accommodation Network
- Andrea Hall, General Dynamics and DC Metro Chair
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Disability:IN 2020 Annual Conference
July 13-16, 2020
NOW VIRTUAL
Deadline
: July 6, 2020
- Virtual Conference Experience $600
- Job Accommodations Network (JAN) Academy $100
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NILG 2020 offering FREE Webinar series
The NILG 2020 National Conference Planning Committee and the NILG Board is pleased to announce a series of FREE webinars to the contractor community in July and August. Programming is underway and we can confirm OFCCP’s Director Craig Leen will open the Virtual Conference. Email communications will be shared in the next few weeks,
visit this website
for updated information on the webinar series and how to register.
We hope you’ll join us at the NILG 2021 National Conference
Sunday, August 1 – Wednesday, August 4, 2021
Omni Hotel in Nashville, TN.
Please save the date and plan to attend!
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Save the date for the Mid-Atlantic ADA Conference 2020!
27th Annual Conference on the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
Presented by TransCen, Inc. and the Mid-Atlantic ADA Center
September 9 - 11, 2020
Alexandria, Virginia
To join the list to receive information about the 2020 Mid-Atlantic ADA Conference send a message to
ADAtraining@transcen.org
.
Questions about the Mid-Atlantic ADA Conference, contact:
Mid-Atlantic ADA Center
1-800-949-4232 V/TTY in DC
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Our focus is on Culture Change!
Our organization,
formerly the DC Metro Business Leadership Network,
is the largest regional member network of a variety of industry employers advocating for inclusion of individuals with disabilities in today's workforce, marketplace and supply chain. A non-profit business-led network established in 2006, our purpose is to bring the business community together in a dialog through education, training and resources with a focus on removing attitudinal and organizational barriers by exchanging best practices to ensure that the inclusion of individuals with disabilities as smart business.
Our Members and Guests have access to resources, programs and partners to strengthen the disability inclusion efforts and outcomes.
- Thought leadership
- Business to business networking
- Introductions to community partners
- Access to talent
- Hot topic programming led by Subject Matter Experts
- Webinars
Join our
Follow us on
Our Staff
The Hon. Katherine McCary, President, C5 Consulting, LLC serves as CEO and Executive Director. Katherine served as founding chair of the USBLN (now Disability:IN) for nine years, the founding chair of the VA BLN (Now Virginia Ability) for 13 years and has launched more than 11 chapters. She received the USBLN Lifetime Achievement Award in 2009.
C5 is a global disability inclusion strategy consultancy comprised exclusively of private sector disability leaders,
experienced disability from a variety of areas; as individuals, as caregivers, and as parents of individuals with disabilities. W
ith more than 50 years combined expertise and a deep knowledge of culture change developed through customized business strategies. C5 is the pioneer of disability inclusion
"for business by business"
with just in time training Disability Inclusion IQ designed for enterprise wide learning.
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